Sensory feedback indicators for transactional processes

ABSTRACT

A method for providing web transaction feedback includes a client device receiving a response indicating a success or a failure of a user operation pertaining to a potential web transaction. The client device then provides a web transaction feedback to the user using a human interface element capable of causing the client device to perform a set of motions and/or emit a range of temperatures. The set of motions is comprised of at least a first sub-set of the set of motions indicating the success of the user operation and at least a second sub-set of the set of motions indicating the failure of the user operation. The range of temperatures is comprised of at least a first temperature of the range of temperatures indicating the success of the user operation and at least a second temperature of the range of temperatures indicating the failure of the user operation.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of eCommerce, andmore particularly to the use of sensory feedback indicators fortransactional purposes.

Generally speaking, electronic commerce (eCommerce) is the trading,buying, or selling of products or services using computer networks(e.g., the Internet). Technologies that are used in everyday eCommercecan include mobile commerce, electronic funds transfers, and Internetmarketing. Some eCommerce transactions today use technologies such asemail, although eCommerce typically uses the World Wide Web for at leastpart of the transaction.

Sensory feedback indicators are any sense indicators (e.g., vision,hearing, or touch), that may provide a more enhanced feedback to a humanuser. Tactile feedback, which is a type of sensory feedback, istechnology which recreates the sense of touch by applying forces,vibrations, or motions to the user.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, a computerprogram product, and a system for providing web transaction feedback.The method includes a client device receiving a response indicating asuccess or a failure of a user operation pertaining to a potential webtransaction. The client device then provides a web transaction feedbackto the user, where the web transaction feedback communicates thereceived response to the user using a human interface element capable ofcausing the client device to perform a set of motions and/or emit arange of temperatures. The set of motions is comprised of at least afirst sub-set of the set of motions indicating the success of the useroperation and at least a second sub-set of the set of motions indicatingthe failure of the user operation. The range of temperatures iscomprised of at least a first temperature of the range of temperaturesindicating the success of the user operation and at least a secondtemperature of the range of temperatures indicating the failure of theuser operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a sensory feedbackresponse enabled data processing environment, in an embodiment inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a semantic enabledpointing device, used within the sensory feedback response enabled dataprocessing environment of FIG. 1, for providing sensory feedbackresponses to user actions, in an embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting operational steps of a web transactionfeedback application, on a client within the data processing environmentof FIG. 1, providing feedback to a user operation pertaining to apotential web transaction, in an embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting operational steps of a semantic enabledapplication, on a client device within the data processing environmentof FIG. 1, converting feedback to a user operation to a sensory feedbackresponse, in an embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting operational steps of a semantic enabledpointer device receiving a sensory feedback response from a semanticenabled application, on a client device within the data processingenvironment of FIG. 1, in an embodiment in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of components of a laptop computerconverting responses to user operations to sensory feedback responses,in an embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention recognize thatmotion, sound, and other sense indicators may provide an enhancedeCommerce experience by providing more tactile feedback to the eCommerceuser. At present, most eCommerce experiences have been built for peoplewho have good visual skills. As such, people who have accessibilityissues (e.g., people with vision issues, people who are color blind,etc.) do not get an ideal eCommerce experience. Developers haveresponded to these limitations in an ad-hoc fashion by providinginconsistent sensory responses.

While sensory feedback can greatly improve the eCommerce experience forpeople with accessibility issues, sensory feedback may also enhance thecomputing experience for all users through improved usability andenhanced realism. For example, improved usability may be accomplished bycreating a fulfilling multi-modal experience using the senses of touch,sight, and sound. Sensory feedback (provided, for example, by a humaninterface element) improves usability by more fully engaging the user'ssenses, which, in turn, builds user confidence. As used herein, a humaninterface element is any hardware used in conjunction with software toprovide sensory feedback to a user. Some examples of sensory feedbackthat may be provided by a human interface element include providingtouch, sight, and/or sound confirmation while the user is selecting avirtual button.

Sensory feedback may enhance the computing experience by injecting asense of realism into user experiences by utilizing multiple senses andallowing the user to feel the activating action and nuance of theapplication. The addition of tactile feedback to applications that relyon visual and audio inputs provides additional context that translatesinto a sense of realism for the user. By providing users with intuitiveand unmistakable tactile confirmation, sensory feedback can create amore confident user experience and can also improve safety by overcomingdistractions. This is especially important when audio or visualconfirmation is insufficient, such as in industrial applications, orapplications that involve distractions, such as automotive navigation.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference tothe Figures. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram, generally designated100, illustrating a sensory feedback response enabled data processingenvironment, in an embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

Data processing environment 100 includes laptop 102 and server 120, allinterconnected over network 118. Laptop 102 includes RAM 104, centralprocessing unit 106, persistent storage 108, speaker 114, and thermalemitter 116.

Laptop 102 may be a Web server, or any other electronic device orcomputing system, capable of processing program instructions andreceiving and sending data. In some embodiments, laptop 102 may be alaptop computer, a tablet computer, a netbook computer, a personalcomputer (PC), a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), asmart phone, or any programmable electronic device capable ofcommunicating over a data connection to network 118. In otherembodiments, laptop 102 may represent server computing systems utilizingmultiple computers as a server system, such as in a distributedcomputing environment. In general, laptop 102 is representative of anyelectronic devices or combinations of electronic devices capable ofexecuting machine-readable program instructions and communicating withserver 120 via network 118 and with various components and deviceswithin data processing environment 100.

Laptop 102 includes persistent storage 108. Persistent storage 108 may,for example, be a hard disk drive. Alternatively, or in addition to amagnetic hard disk drive, persistent storage 108 may include a solidstate hard drive, a semiconductor storage device, read-only memory(ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, orany other computer-readable storage medium that is capable of storingprogram instructions or digital information. Sensory feedback APIs 110and software application 112 are stored in persistent storage 108, whichalso includes operating system software, as well as, software thatenables laptop 102 to communicate with server 120 over a data connectionon network 118. Sensory feedback APIs 110 execute on laptop 102 duringruntime and provide applications with a set of routines, protocols, andtools for providing sensory feedback or responses to a user initiating aeCommerce transaction.

In one embodiment, sensory feedback APIs 110 reside on a desktopcomputer and use a motion-activated device, such as a bobbleheadfigurine, to convey sensory feedback responses. In another embodiment,sensory feedback APIs 110 reside on a handheld device providing sensoryfeedback responses by emitting hot or cold temperatures. In general,sensory feedback APIs 110 may reside on any computer, server, phone, orelectronic device that may be used to initiate electronic operations orrequests, and the electronic operations or requests provide a responseto the user.

The sensory feedback response settings for speaker 114 and thermalemitter 116 are configurable by the user through sensory feedback APIs110 and software application 112. In one embodiment, these settings maybe controlled through a utility using a graphic interface and stored onlaptop 102. In another embodiment, the sensory feedback responsesettings may be configurable on an application basis and stored inconfiguration files for the application. In other embodiments, anadministrator may define the sensory feedback response settings on arepository located on or attached to network 118, where all semanticenabled devices would use the same defined sensory feedback responsesfor user operations.

Software application 112 is also included in persistent storage 108.Software application 112 uses sensory feedback APIs 110 to translateresponses to user operations into a tactile feedback response usingsight, sound, and/or temperature indications. In one embodiment,software application 112 may be a web browser providing a user with theability to initiate web transactions. A web transaction may occur when acustomer makes a purchase on a web page by completing and submitting aweb form and performing other interactions with a website and/or webapplication. A web page is a document on the World Wide Web (WWW) thatis displayed using a web browser. A web page is typically a computerfile that is usually written in HTML or comparable markup language. Webbrowsers coordinate the various web resource elements for the writtenweb page, such as style sheets, scripts and images, to present the webpage. Web pages may be static (i.e., delivered exactly as stored on theweb server), or dynamic (i.e., generated by a web application that isdriven by server-side software or client-side scripting). Dynamic webpages help the browser (e.g., software application 112) to enhance theweb page through user input to the server (e.g., server 120). A webform, also called a HTML form, on a web page allows a user to enter datathat is sent to a server for processing. Users fill out the forms usingweb page elements (i.e., checkboxes, radio buttons, or text fields). Anexample of a web form is a form where a user enters shipping or creditcard data to order a product for an eCommerce web transaction. Inanother embodiment, software application 112 may be an emailapplication. In general, software application 112 may be any softwareapplication capable of receiving defined responses, in the context ofthe application, or a standardized set of responses, that may beconverted a sensory feedback response using sensory feedback APIs 110.

Laptop 102 includes speaker 114 (i.e., human interface element). Speaker114 is used by software application 112 to emit sounds corresponding tothe indicated response received from the user operation. In oneembodiment, speaker 114 may be used by sensory feedback APIs 110 andsoftware application 112 solely. In another embodiment, speaker 114 maybe used by other software applications and components of laptop 102 inconjunction with sensory feedback APIs 110 and software application 112.In other embodiments, speaker 114 may be an additional component tolaptop 102 used only by sensory feedback APIs 110 and softwareapplication 112.

Thermal emitter 116 is also included in laptop 102. Thermal emitter 116(i.e., human interface element) is used by sensory feedback APIs 110 andsoftware application 112 to emit a thermal response to user operationson software application 112. In one embodiment, thermal emitter 116 maybe contained in laptop 102 where a user's wrists rest on the keyboard,emitting thermal responses felt by the user. In another embodiment,thermal emitter 116 may be contained in a computer accessory, such as apointing device (e.g., a mouse). Laptop 102 may include internal andexternal hardware components, as depicted and described in furtherdetail with respect to FIG. 2.

In FIG. 1, network 118 is shown as the interconnecting fabric betweenlaptop 102 and server 120. In practice, network 118 may be any viabledata transport network. Network 118 can be, for example, a local areanetwork (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, or acombination of the two, and can include wired, wireless, or fiber opticconnections. In general, network 118 can be any combination ofconnections and protocols that will support communications betweenlaptop 102 and server 120 in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

Data processing environment 100 also includes server 120. Dataprocessing environment 100 includes server 120. In the exampleembodiment of the present invention, server 120 is a device attached tonetwork 118 and capable of communicating with laptop 102. Server 120contains RAM 122, central processing unit (CPU) 124, and persistentstorage 126. Persistent storage 126 may, for example, be a hard diskdrive. Alternatively, or in addition to a magnetic hard disk drive,persistent storage 126 may include a solid state hard drive, asemiconductor storage device, read-only memory (ROM), erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any othercomputer-readable storage medium that is capable of storing programinstructions or digital information. Software 128 is stored inpersistent storage 126, which also includes operating system software,as well as, software that enables server 120 to communicate with laptop102 over a data connection on network 118. In the example embodiment ofthe present invention, server 120 is a computer hosting an eCommercewebsite providing responses to transactions originating from laptop 102on network 118.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram, generally designated 200,illustrating a semantic enabled pointing device (also referred to as a“client device”), used within the sensory feedback response enabled dataprocessing environment of FIG. 1, for providing sensory feedbackresponses to user actions, in an embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention. Pointing device 202 contains left button 204, scrollwheel 208, right button 206, light indicator 210, motion simulator 212,and thermal emitter 214 (also referred to as a “thermal simulator”). Inthis example embodiment, in addition to being a device that providessensory feedback responses to the user, pointing device 202 is anaccessory device used with laptop 102 by a user to navigate thedisplayed area of software application 112 and to initiate eCommercetransactions with server 120 over a data connection on network 118. Inanother embodiment, pointing device 202 may utilize a trackball todetect motion from the user. In other embodiments, pointing device 202may utilize optics to detect motion from the user.

Pointing device 202 includes left button 204. Left button 204 is amicroswitch which can be pressed to select or interact with an elementof a graphical user interface on laptop 102. A microswitch is anelectrical switch that is small in size and that can be actuated by verylittle physical force. Right button 206 is also a microswitch used toinvoke a contextual menu in the computer's software user interface,which contains options specifically tailored to the interface elementover which the mouse cursor currently sits. In one embodiment, theprimary mouse button sits located on the left-hand side of the mouse,for the benefit of right-handed users. In other embodiments, left-handedusers may reverse this configuration via configuration software or autility. Scroll wheel 208 is a hard plastic, or rubbery disc (i.e.,wheel), that can also act as another microswitch to activate contextualmenus in applications such as software application 112, or can be usedto navigate the displayed application page.

Pointing device 202 also includes light indicator 210. Light indicator210 (i.e., human interface element) is used by software application 112through sensory feedback APIs 110 on laptop 102 to provide a visualindication response to the user's operations. Light indicator 210 isconfigurable by the user through a utility or by software application112. In one example embodiment, light indicator 210 may illuminate agreen color to the user when indicating success. In another exampleembodiment, light indicator 210 may illuminate a yellow color insituations when the user submits a form with missing information, suchas an incomplete address field. In other example embodiments, lightindicator 210 may illuminate a red color when indicating a failure orerror, such as the user's credit card being declined. Light indicator210 may be located anywhere in pointing device 202 to allow a user tosee the sensory feedback response. In another example embodiment,pointing device 202 may be constructed of transparent plastic to allowlight indicator 210 to illuminate the entire device.

Motion simulator 212 is also included in pointing device 202. Motionsimulator 212 (i.e., human interface element) is used by softwareapplication 112 through sensory feedback APIs 110 on laptop 102 toprovide a motion or vibration indication response to the user'soperations. Motion simulator 212 is configurable by the user through autility or by software application 112. In one example embodiment,motion simulator 212 may buzz for a tenth of a second for the user whenindicating success. In another example embodiment, motion simulator 212may buzz for three tenths of a second in situations when the usersubmits a form with missing information, such as an incomplete addressfield. In other example embodiments, motion simulator 212 may buzz for ahalf of a second indicating a failure or error, such as the user'scredit card being declined. In another example embodiment, motionsimulator 212 may be a computer accessory, such as a bobbleheadfigurine, that bobbles or nods its head to indicate a successfuloperation or transaction and shakes its head from side-to-side toindicate a failed operation or transaction. In other exampleembodiments, the computer accessory bobblehead may also incorporatesounds and light indicators in addition to the motion.

Pointing device 202 also includes thermal emitter 214. Thermal emitter214 (i.e., human interface element) is used by software application 112through sensory feedback APIs 110 on laptop 102 to provide a motion orvibration indication response to the user's operations. Thermal emitter214 is configurable by the user through a utility or by softwareapplication 112. In one example embodiment, thermal emitter 214 may emita cool temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit felt by the user whenindicating success. In another example embodiment, thermal emitter 214may emit a warm temperature of 87 degrees Fahrenheit felt by the userwhen a form with missing information is submitted, such as an incompleteaddress field. In other example embodiments, thermal emitter 214 mayemit a hot temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit felt by the user toindicate a failure or error, such as the user's credit card beingdeclined. In general, software application 112 and/or sensory feedbackAPIs 110 may provide a user with configuration options to define asub-range in the range of temperatures thermal emitter 214 may produceto communicate the success of the user operation and a second sub-rangein the range of temperatures to communicate the failure of the useroperation.

In one example embodiment, light indicator 210 may illuminate a greencolor, motion simulator 212 may buzz for a tenth of a second, andthermal emitter 214 may emit a cool temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheitto the user when indicating a successful transaction. In another exampleembodiment, light indicator 210 may illuminate a yellow color, motionsimulator 212 may buzz for three tenths of a second, and thermal emitter214 may emit a warm temperature of 87 degrees Fahrenheit in situationswhen the user submits a form with missing information, such as anincomplete address field. In other example embodiments, light indicator210 may illuminate a red color, motion simulator 212 may buzz for a halfof a second, and thermal emitter 214 may emit a hot temperature of 100degrees Fahrenheit when indicating a failure or error, such as theuser's credit card being declined.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart, generally designated 300, depicting operationalsteps of a web transaction feedback application, on a client within thedata processing environment of FIG. 1, providing feedback to a useroperation pertaining to a potential web transaction, in an embodiment inaccordance with the present invention. Software application 112, onlaptop 102, receives a user operation relating to a potential webtransaction as depicted in step 302. In some embodiments (discussedbelow), software application 112 receives one or more dynamicallygenerated web page elements of a web document, where the one or more webpage elements are adapted to receive information entered by the user. Inthis example embodiment, software application 112 may be a web browseron a laptop computing device, (e.g., laptop 102), used to initiateeCommerce transactions over the Internet. In other example embodiments,software application 112 may be an email application, or an applicationsuite consisting of multiple applications bundled together, where a userinitiates and receives responses for web transactions. In anotherexample embodiment, software application 112 may be enterprise softwareaddressing the needs of an entire organization's processes and data,(e.g., web enabled enterprise resource planning systems, customerrelationship management (CRM) systems and supply chain managementsoftware using web transaction interfaces). In another exampleembodiment, software application 112 may be web enabled educationalsoftware delivering homework and/or evaluations (e.g., tests or exams),tracking a student's progress through online material, or includingcollaborative capabilities where a user initiates and receives responsesfor web transactions. In another example embodiment, softwareapplication 112 may be simulation software, simulating physical orabstract systems for research, training or entertainment purposes, wherethe simulation software includes web transaction functionality.

In this example embodiment, laptop 102 is a portable computing deviceused to initiate eCommerce transactions over the Internet. In otherexample embodiments, the laptop 102 may be replaced by a mobile phone orsmartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC) or notebook, an in-carcomputer, a game console, a personal digital assistant (PDA),programmable calculator, or a hand-held game console. In general, laptop102 (or, more generally, the device used to receive the user operation)may be any computing device capable of initiating and receivingresponses for user operations and requests.

Software application 112, on laptop 102, then determines a response tothe user operation as depicted in step 304. In this example embodiment,the determination of a response includes determining whether thepotential web transaction is successfully completed. If the potentialweb transaction is successfully completed, then the response is “YES.”If the potential web transaction is not successfully completed, theresponse is “NO. In this example embodiment, the determined sensoryfeedback response to the user operation may be communicated bytranslating a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) return (or “response”)code into a defined sensory feedback response. In other exampleembodiments, the determined sensory feedback response to the useroperation may be determined via translating a file transfer protocol(FTP) return code. In another example embodiment, the determined sensoryfeedback response to the user operation may be determined by translatinga standardized error code as defined in “errno.h”, (i.e., a header filein the standard library of the C programming language), that definesmacros for reporting and retrieving error conditions through error codesstored in a static memory location. In another example embodiment,sensory feedback APIs 110 may be used to translate a response from ananti-virus application reporting to a user that just clicked on a URLfor a malicious website. In general, the determined response to the useroperation may be any response, or return code capable of beinginterpreted into a semantic indicator(s) by sensory feedback APIs 110.

As stated above, in some embodiments, the response to the user operationmay be delivered in the form of an HTTP response code. Generallyspeaking, HTTP status or response codes are defined into five classes:informational, success, redirection, client error, and server error. Anexample of an informational response code is a “Continue” (e.g., HTTPresponse code 100), which means the server has received the requestheaders, and that the client should proceed to send the request body(i.e., the client should continue with its request). An example of asuccess response code is “OK” (e.g., HTTP response code 200), whichmeans the HTTP request was successful. An example of a client errorresponse code is “Multiple choices” (e.g., HTTP response code 300),which indicates there are multiple options for the resource that theclient may follow. For example, the resource could be used to presentdifferent format options for video, list files with differentextensions, or word sense disambiguation. An example of a client errorresponse code is “Bad Request” (e.g., HTTP response code 400), whichmeans the server cannot or will not process the request due to somethingthat is perceived to be a client error (e.g., a malformed request). Anexample of a server error response code is an “Internal Server Error”(e.g., HTTP response code 500) that means an unexpected condition wasencountered.

Sensory feedback APIs 110 is a set of routines, protocols, and tools forenhancing existing or developing new software applications with sensoryfeedback indicators for operational responses received by the user.Sensory feedback APIs 110 may express application return codes in termsof its operations, inputs, outputs, and underlying types. Sensoryfeedback APIs 110 accomplish this by using web page elements (e.g.,checkboxes, radio buttons, or text fields) to receive user enteredinformation. Software application 112 may use the sensory feedback APIs110 to store the user entered information along with metadata including,for example, the indicated type of input (e.g., Name or Address field).An example of this would be a sensory feedback response where a usersubmits a web form for an eCommerce transaction and forgets to enter thecredit card expiration date. The client device, using sensory feedbackAPIs 110, may validate the entered information and activate amotion-activated device where the motion-activated device performs amotion relating to the defined sensory feedback response to the useroperation. In one example embodiment, the motion-activated device maypop up small signs with customizable messages to the users liking. Inanother example embodiment, the motion-activated device may display andwave racing flags relating to the defined sensory feedback response tothe user operation. A sensory feedback response for the example of auser forgetting to enter the credit card expiration date may be themotion-activated device displaying and waving a “caution” flag. Inanother example embodiment using a motion-activated bobblehead figurine,the bobblehead figurine may shake its head in a side-to-side motionindicating a failure has occurred. The bobblehead figurine may also thenemit the sound wave stating “Ah Ah Ah! You forgot the expiration date!”In some cases, the bobblehead figurines eyes may glow or flash red.

In one example embodiment, sensory feedback APIs 110 may be used tocreate a plug-in for existing software applications to be used with amotion-activated device. A user may purchase a motion-activated devicewith a software installation package that would install a plug-in toallow existing applications on a computing device to provide sensoryfeedback with the motion-activated device. In another exampleembodiment, the semantic indicator feedback may be customized tomultiple users of laptop 102 using radio-frequency identification (RFID)technology. RFID is the wireless use of electromagnetic fields totransfer data, for the purposes of automatically identifying andtracking tags attached to objects. Users may carry RFID tags containingelectronically stored information to gain access to building and secureareas. These RFID tags may also contain sensory feedback indicators forthe user and detected by software application 112 when the user submitsrequests or operations on laptop 102.

Software application 112 then provides web transaction feedback to theuser using a client device, wherein the web transaction feedbackincludes using one or more of a set of motions, sounds, lightindications, and a temperature emitted by the client device, as depictedin step 306. Software application 112 uses sensory feedback APIs 110 toaccess a client device to provide a determined sensory feedback responseto a user based on the response that was returned to softwareapplication 112 for the user's transaction or request. In one exampleembodiment, software application 112 uses sensory feedback APIs 110 tocause a large smiley face to appear on the touch screen of a smart phoneand emit a sound wave of cheers when a user successfully submits apayment for a bill with their online banking app. In another exampleembodiment, software application 112 uses sensory feedback APIs 110 tovibrate a mouse and emit a range of temperatures felt by the user's handin response to a transaction or operation.

In one example embodiment, the motions and vibrations simulated bymotion simulator 212 may be configured via a graphical user interface(GUI) and the configuration settings stored in a configuration file inpersistent storage 108. The example configuration file may containdefined motions for a client device or a computer accessory for variousvibrations and motions. In one example embodiment, motion simulator 212in pointing device 202 vibrates with three strong bursts when a userclicks on a phishing web link. Phishing is an attempt by a person orpersons to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords,and/or credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in anelectronic communication such as a website or email. In another exampleembodiment, pointing device 202 may vibrate and emit a 103 degreetemperature when a user tried to submit a web form on a website that isnot secure.

In another example embodiment, the sound waves emitted by speaker 114may be configured via a graphical user interface (GUI) and theconfiguration settings stored in a configuration file in persistentstorage 108. The example configuration file may contain defined soundwaves for sensory feedback responses in any digitized sound format.Sounds may be recorded by the user to provide a custom response for agiven scenario. An example of a defined sound wave would be the sound ofa cash register upon completing a transaction successfully.

In another example embodiment, the light radiated by light indicator 210may be configured via a graphical user interface (GUI) and theconfiguration settings stored in a configuration file in persistentstorage 108. The example configuration file may contain definedilluminations for sensory feedback responses as certain colors, flashes,pulses, varying illuminations or any illumination used in electronicdevices. An example of a defined light indication would be using MorseCode to deliver a sensory feedback response in a motion-activated devicesuch as a bobblehead figurine resembling Samuel Morse (i.e., theinventor of Morse Code), by flashing the figurines eyes with “- - -pause - . -” to spell out “OK”. Morse code is a method of transmittingtext information as a series of on-off tones, lights, or clicks that canbe directly understood by a skilled listener or observer without specialequipment. In other embodiments, sensory feedback APIs 110 may display(or emit, via speaker 114) natural language content indicating one ormore reasons why the potential web transaction is or is not successfullycompleted.

In another example embodiment, the temperatures emitted by thermalemitter 116 and thermal emitter 214 may be configured via a graphicaluser interface (GUI) and the configuration settings stored in aconfiguration file in persistent storage 108. The example configurationfile may contain defined temperatures for sensory feedback responses asspecific values or ranges. An example of a defined cool temperaturerange may be 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, (10 to 18 degrees Celsius). Anexample of a defined warm temperature range may be 80 to 85 degreesFahrenheit, (26 to 29 degrees Celsius). An example of a defined hottemperature range may be 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, (32 to 37 degreesCelsius).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart, generally designated 400, depicting operationalsteps of a semantic enabled application, on a client device within thedata processing environment of FIG. 1, converting feedback to a useroperation to a sensory feedback response, in an embodiment in accordancewith the present invention. Software application 112 on laptop 102receives a response to a user transaction or operation to server 120 asdepicted in step 402. The response received by software application 112may be any standardized response, such as an HTTP status code, or adefined response code unique to software application 112. In thisexample embodiment, the client device is laptop 102 using speaker 114and thermal emitter 116 to provide sensory feedback to the user.

In step 404, software application 112 determines which sensory feedbackAPIs 110 to use, to provide sensory feedback to the user, based on theresponse received by software application 112. Software application 112determines this by using a configuration file where the receivedresponses for user operations are defined and mapped to sensory feedbackresponses. In one example embodiment, the mapped sensory feedbackresponses may be configurable through a GUI utility by the user toprovide a custom experience. In another example embodiment, the mappedsensory feedback responses are customized to the specific application sothat the same response produces a different sensory feedback responsefor different applications. An example of this would be using laptop 102to submit an online order and then email a coworker. When the userclicks on “submit” and a successful response is received, thermalemitter 116 emits a cool temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit, (18degrees Celsius), and speaker 114 emits a sound wave of a bird chirping.The user then sends an email to inform the coworker that the order hasbeen placed. When the user clicks on send and a successful response isreceived, thermal emitter 116 emits a cool temperature of 68 degreesFahrenheit, (20 degrees Celsius), and speaker 114 emits a sound wave ofa cruise ship air horn.

Upon determining the sensory feedback responses in step 404, softwareapplication 112 will access one or more sensory feedback components oflaptop 102. In step 406, software application 112, through the use ofsensory feedback APIs 110, accesses thermal emitter 116 to provide awarm or cool temperature felt by the user where their wrists rest on thekeyboard. In another example embodiment, the warm or cool temperaturemay be emitted through the keys of laptop 102. In another embodiment,the warm or cool temperature may be emitted on the bottom of laptop 102so the temperature change would be felt on the user's legs. In otherembodiments, the warm or cool temperature may be emitted on the sides oflaptop 102.

In decision step 410, sensory feedback APIs 110 determines if thesuccess radiation indication should be performed for the definedapplication return code. If the success radiation indication is selected(“yes” branch, decision 410), thermal emitter 116 radiates a cooltemperature felt by the user and depicted in step 416. In one exampleembodiment, thermal emitter 116 may be a fashion accessory such as abracelet that is connected to laptop 102 by a wired or wirelessconnection, where the bracelet generates the warm or cool temperaturefelt by the user. If the failure radiation indication is selected (“no”branch, decision 410), thermal emitter 116 radiates a hot temperaturefelt by the user and depicted in step 414. In one example embodiment,thermal emitter 116 may use solar energy to power thermal emitter 116when emitting the warm or cool temperature to the user.

In step 408, software application 112, through the use of sensoryfeedback APIs 110, accesses speaker 114 to emit a sound wave heard bythe user. In another example embodiment, speaker 114 may be a headphoneor ear bud device connected to laptop 102 through a wired or wirelessconnection, where the headphone or ear buds emit the sound wave heard bythe user. In decision step 412, sensory feedback APIs 110 determines ifthe success sound wave should be performed for the defined applicationreturn code. If the success sound wave is selected (“yes” branch,decision 412), speaker 114 emits a sound wave indicating the operationwas successful by the user and depicted in step 418. In one exampleembodiment, sensory feedback APIs 110 may use a hardware device totransmit the sound wave directly to a surgically implanted electronicdevice, similar to a cochlear implant that would emit the sound wave tothe user. A cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically implanted electronicdevice that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deafor severely hard of hearing.

If the success sound wave is not selected (“no” branch, decision 412),speaker 114 emits a sound wave indicating the operation was notsuccessful by the user and depicted in step 420. In one exampleembodiment, an in-car computer may use a traffic officer bobbleheadfigurine to provide a visual indication from a global positioning system(GPS) by lifting its arms to point in the direction of travel. When thedriver takes a wrong turn a speaker in the traffic officer bobbleheadfigurine may emit a sound wave to indicate the wrong direction oftravel.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart, generally designated 500, depicting operationalsteps of a semantic enabled pointer device receiving a sensory feedbackresponse from a semantic enabled application, on a client device withinthe data processing environment of FIG. 1, in an embodiment inaccordance with the present invention. Software application 112 onlaptop 102 receives a response to a user transaction or operation toserver 120 as depicted in step 502. In this example embodiment, pointingdevice 202 is an accessory device used with laptop 102 by a user toinitiate eCommerce transactions with server 120 over a data connectionon network 118. In another example embodiment, laptop 102 may be anycomputing device capable of interfacing with pointing device 202.

In step 504, software application 112 determines which sensory feedbackAPIs 110 to use with pointing device 202, to provide a sensory feedbackto the user, based on the response received by software application 112.Software application 112 compares the received response, also referredto as the “received result”, of the user operation to a set of defineduser responses for user operations with mapped sensory feedback actionsin a configuration file. In one example embodiment, pointing device 202may be contained in a pen utilizing a wireless connection to laptop 102.The pen functions as both a writing instrument and navigation device forthe display of laptop 102. In another example embodiment, semanticindicator APIs may be used in a cloud computing environment deliveringsensory feedback responses to the provided applications and services ofthe cloud. In the event that the motion-activated device is unable toprovide a sensory feedback, software application 112 and/or sensoryfeedback APIs 110 will provide a notification to the user by emitting asound wave using speaker 114 and/or displaying a message on display 620which is described in further detail with respect to FIG. 6.

In one example embodiment where the motion-activated device is unable toprovide a sensory feedback to a user operation, software application 112receives and displays an error from sensory feedback APIs 110 to theuser that the motion-activated device is unable to provide a sensoryfeedback for the determined response to the user operation. One examplewould be software application displaying a popup on display 620 andemitting a sound on speaker 114 to indicate that the motion-activateddevice is not detected. The displayed message may instruct the user tocheck the connection to the motion-activated device and try theoperation again (assuming the operation is not a request for a potentialweb transaction).

In another example embodiment where the motion-activated device isunable to provide a sensory feedback to a user operation, softwareapplication 112 receives and displays an error from sensory feedbackAPIs 110 to the user that the motion-activated device is not workingproperly. One example would be sensory feedback APIs 110 detects thatthermal emitter 116 is no longer functioning and displays a popup ondisplay 620 and emits a sound on speaker 114 to indicate that thermalemitter 116 is not operational. The displayed message may instruct theuser to launch a utility to test the motion-activated device todetermine the problem.

Upon determining the sensory feedback responses in step 504, softwareapplication 112 accesses one or more sensory feedback components oflaptop 102 including pointing device 202. In step 506, softwareapplication 112, through the use of sensory feedback APIs 110, accesseslight indicator 210 to provide a visual indication response in pointingdevice 202 to the user's operations. In another example embodiment lightindicator 210 may be part of a holographic bobblehead figurine providingsensory feedback responses to a user transaction or operation on laptop102. In decision step 512, sensory feedback APIs 110 determines if thesuccess light indication should be performed for the defined applicationreturn code. If the success light indication is selected (“yes” branch,decision 512), light indicator 210 illuminates with a light indicatingthe operation was successful by the user and depicted in step 520. Ifthe success light indication is not selected (“no” branch, decision512), light indicator 210 illuminates with a light indicating theoperation was not successful by the user and depicted in step 518. Inone example embodiment, an in-car computer may use light indicator 210to project the traffic lines of streets and highways on the windshieldof a driver's car. When the driver verbally or manually enters adestination address to the in-car computer or GPS, light indicator 210may emit light on the windshield that appears to highlight street signs,building, or landmarks as the driver travels the plotted route.

In step 508, software application 112, through the use of sensoryfeedback APIs 110, accesses motion simulator 212 to provide a motion orvibration indication response to the user's eCommerce transactions oroperations. In another example embodiment motion simulator 212 may bemay be a fashion accessory such as a bracelet that is connected tolaptop 102 by a wired or wireless connection, where the braceletgenerates vibrations felt by the user. In decision step 514, sensoryfeedback APIs 110 determines if the success motion indication should beperformed for the defined application return code. If the success motionindication is selected (“yes” branch, decision 514), motion simulator212 generates a motion or vibration indicating the operation wassuccessful by the user and depicted in step 524. If the success motionindication is not selected (“no” branch, decision 514), motion simulator212 generates a motion or vibration indicating the operation was notsuccessful by the user and depicted in step 522.

In step 510, software application 112, through the use of sensoryfeedback APIs 110, accesses thermal emitter 214 to provide a warm orcool temperature felt by the user while the users hand is on pointingdevice 202. In another example embodiment, thermal emitter 214 may beused to provide a warm or cool sensory feedback response in a fashionaccessory such as a ring that is connected to laptop 102 by a wired orwireless connection, where the ring generates the warm or cooltemperature felt by the user. In decision step 516, sensory feedbackAPIs 110 determines if the success radiation indication should beperformed for the defined application return code. If the successradiation indication is selected (“yes” branch, decision 516), thermalemitter 214 radiates a cool temperature felt by the user and depicted instep 526. If the failure radiation indication is selected (“no” branch,decision 516), thermal emitter 214 radiates a hot temperature felt bythe user and depicted in step 528. In one example embodiment, thermalemitter 214 may use solar energy to radiate to power thermal emitter 214when emitting the warm or cool temperature to the user. In general,thermal emitter 214 is fully customizable by the user to provide thefull range of temperatures for the sensory feedback responses for useroperations.

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram, generally designated 600, of componentsof a laptop computer converting responses to user operations to sensoryfeedback responses, in an embodiment in accordance with the presentinvention. It should be appreciated that FIG. 6 provides only anillustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitationswith regard to the environments in which different embodiments may beimplemented. Many modifications to the depicted environment may be made.

Laptop 102 includes communications fabric 602, which providescommunications between computer processor(s) 604, memory 606, persistentstorage 608, communications unit 610, and input/output (I/O)interface(s) 612. Communications fabric 602 can be implemented with anyarchitecture designed for passing data and/or control informationbetween processors (such as microprocessors, communications and networkprocessors, etc.), system memory, peripheral devices, and any otherhardware components within a system. For example, communications fabric602 can be implemented with one or more buses.

Memory 606 and persistent storage 608 are computer readable storagemedia. In this embodiment, memory 606 includes random access memory(RAM) 614 and cache memory 616. In general, memory 606 can include anysuitable volatile or non-volatile computer readable storage media.

Sensory feedback APIs 110 and software application 112 are stored inpersistent storage 608 for execution by one or more of the respectivecomputer processors 604 via one or more memories of memory 606. In thisembodiment, persistent storage 608 includes a magnetic hard disk drive.Alternatively, or in addition to a magnetic hard disk drive, persistentstorage 608 can include a solid state hard drive, a semiconductorstorage device, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other computer readable storagemedia that is capable of storing program instructions or digitalinformation.

The media used by persistent storage 608 may also be removable. Forexample, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 608.Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, andsmart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto anothercomputer readable storage medium that is also part of persistent storage608.

Communications unit 610, in these examples, provides for communicationswith other data processing systems or devices, including resources ofnetwork 118 and server 120. In these examples, communications unit 610includes one or more network interface cards. Communications unit 610may provide communications through the use of either or both physicaland wireless communications links. Sensory feedback APIs 110 andsoftware application 112 may be downloaded to persistent storage 608through communications unit 610.

I/O interface(s) 612 allows for input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to laptop 102. For example, I/O interface612 may provide a connection to external devices 618 such as a keyboard,keypad, a touch screen, and/or some other suitable input device.External devices 618 can also include portable computer readable storagemedia such as, for example, thumb drives, portable optical or magneticdisks, and memory cards. Software and data used to practice embodimentsof the present invention, e.g., sensory feedback APIs 110 and softwareapplication 112, can be stored on such portable computer readablestorage media and can be loaded onto persistent storage 608 via I/Ointerface(s) 612. I/O interface(s) 612 also connect to a display 620.

Display 620 provides a mechanism to display data to a user and may be,for example, a computer monitor.

The programs described herein are identified based upon the applicationfor which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of theinvention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular programnomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and thus theinvention should not be limited to use solely in any specificapplication identified and/or implied by such nomenclature.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

As used herein, “and/or” is defined as an “inclusive or.” For example,A, B “and/or” C means that at least one of A or B or C is true andapplicable.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, by a clientdevice, a first response indicating a success or a failure of a firstuser operation pertaining to a potential web transaction, wherein thefirst user operation includes the user attempting to submit sensitiveinformation using a web form on a website, and wherein the receivedfirst response indicates whether the website is a secure website or anunsecure website; providing, by the client device, first web transactionfeedback to the user, where the first web transaction feedbackcommunicates the received first response to the user using a first humaninterface element capable of causing the client device to emit a rangeof temperatures; receiving, by a client device, a second responseindicating a success or a failure of a second user operation pertainingto the potential web transaction, wherein the second user operationincludes the user submitting payment information for the potential webtransaction, and wherein the received second response indicates whetherthe payment information submitted by the user has been successfullyapproved or unsuccessfully approved; and providing, by the clientdevice, second web transaction feedback to the user, where the secondweb transaction feedback communicates the received second response tothe user using a second human interface element capable of causing theclient device to perform a set of motions; wherein at least a firstsub-range of the range of temperatures communicates the success of thefirst user operation and at least a second sub-range of the range oftemperatures communicates the failure of the first user operation,wherein the temperatures of the first sub-range of the range oftemperatures are cooler than the temperatures of the second sub-range ofthe range of temperatures; and wherein at least a first sub-set of theset of motions communicates the success of the second user operation andat least a second sub-set of the set of motions communicates the failureof the second user operation, wherein the motions of the first sub-setof the set of motions have durations that are shorter than durations ofthe motions of the second sub-set of the set of motions.